Issue
You expect to see a patch or update available for a device in Automox, but it does not appear in the console.
Environment
Automox® Console
Windows, macOS, and Linux devices
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Native OS package managers:
Windows Update / WSUS
macOS Software Update
Linux package managers (APT, YUM, DNF, Zypper, etc.)
Cause
Automox relies entirely on the operating system’s native package manager to determine which updates are available or installed.
Automox does not independently detect or catalog missing patches. Instead, it queries the device’s package manager and reports what the OS makes available.
If an update is not being offered by the OS, it will not appear in Automox.
Resolution
Follow the steps below to determine why an update is not appearing.
Step 1: Verify the update is available from the OS
Check for updates directly on the device using the native update tool.
Windows:
Open Settings
Go to Update & Security > Windows Update
Click Check for updates
macOS:
Open System Settings
Go to General > Software Update
Check for available updates
Linux:
Run the appropriate command for your distribution:
-
Debian/Ubuntu:
sudo apt update && apt list --upgradable
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RHEL/CentOS/AlmaLinux:
sudo yum check-update
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Fedora:
sudo dnf check-update
If the update does not appear here, it will not appear in Automox.
Step 2: Check for phased or delayed rollouts
Some vendors release updates gradually.
Windows/macOS: Updates may be rolled out in stages
Linux: Repository mirrors may not yet include the update
Wait and check again later or verify availability from the vendor.
Step 3: Confirm update settings and policies
Device configuration may prevent updates from appearing.
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Windows:
WSUS configuration
Group Policy settings
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macOS:
MDM or update deferral policies
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Linux:
Repository configuration
Disabled or custom repos
Ensure the device is allowed to receive updates from the correct source.
Step 4: Check for missing prerequisites
Some updates require prior updates before becoming available.
Install all pending updates
Reboot the device if required
Re-check for updates
Step 5: Validate network connectivity
The device must be able to reach update servers.
Verify internet access
-
Confirm access to:
Microsoft Update / WSUS
Apple update servers
Linux repositories
Step 6: Clear update cache or repair update services
Corrupted caches can prevent updates from appearing.
Windows: Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter
macOS/Linux: Refresh repositories or retry update commands
Step 7: Restart the device
A restart can resolve pending update states or locked services.
Additional Notes
Automox reflects the state of the OS, it does not override or bypass native update mechanisms.
If an update is not visible at the OS level, further troubleshooting should focus on the operating system or update source.
If a patch or update is missing in Automox, the root cause is almost always that the operating system is not reporting the update as available. Validate update availability directly on the device, then investigate configuration, policy, or connectivity issues. If there is a case that the update is available to the device but not appearing in Automox then the communication between the device and it's agent is unhealthy. Don't be afraid to submit a ticket to support@automox.com for additional assistance!